Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lavender Commencement Celebration (LCC)?
LCC is the University of Southern California’s LGBT annual graduation ceremony for LGBT undergraduate and graduate/professional students as well as their supportive allies. Similar to USC’s Black Graduation and Latino Graduation, LCC honors students from within our LGBT and Ally community to commemorate their contributions to the community.   

When is LCC?
The 10th Annual LCC is on Sunday April 29, 2007, 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm at Argue Plaza (beside the Alumni House).  LCC is scheduled before final exams and other campus commencement activities to guarantee all Trojans are able to attend.

Who will be at LCC?
LCC has a keynote speaker who shares advice, words of wisdom as well as their own life experiences with graduates.  Last year, the keynote speaker was Lorri L. Jean, the Executive Director of the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center.  We also have a campus song team perform.  In addition, LGBT and Ally Faculty and Staff members attend and alumni from Lambda Alumni Association.  Other community members from local LGBT organizations are invited. This is an open event, which means anyone from campus can attend.



What else happens at LCC?
At LCC, graduates are recognized and scholarship recipients from Lambda Alumni Association.  The celebration also recognizes undergraduate and graduate student leaders with awards are announced along with active LGBT and Ally Faculty and Staff members.  At the end of the celebration, there is free food and refreshments for everyone.  


How long is the program?
The actual LCC program is no longer than an hour and a half.  We have a small reception afterwards for networking. 


How can I apply for Lambda Alumni Association scholarships?
Lambda Alumni Association scholarship applications are available online in the beginning of the spring semester.  Undergraduate and graduate/professional students are able to apply.


Who coordinates LCC?
The LGBT Resource Center organizes a LCC planning committee in October.  It consists of representatives from the center, Lambda Alumni Association and GLBTA.  It also has graduate students, staff and faculty members.  If you are interested in joining, please email us. 


Why should I participate in LCC?
If you are graduating and identify as either LGBT or a supportive student Ally, you should participate in LCC because it is an opportunity for our community to recognize your contributions to the campus community.  As a graduate, you will receive a rainbow tassel, special gift, and recognition from the Division of Student Affairs.


How do I sign up to be in LCC?
If you are a graduate, please complete the registration form.


Can my friends and family attend LCC?
Yes.  If you are a graduate, please complete the registration form and use your two invitation opportunities to send invites to friends and family.  If you need more invitations, please e-mail the Lavender Commencement Celebration Planning Committee.


When will I receive verification for LCC?
You will be contacted by the LGBT Resource Center three weeks before the actual event.


How many graduates usually participate in LCC?
In 2006, LCC reached monumental success with over 35 LGBT and Ally graduates participating in the celebration and over 130 guests in attendance.  This was the best attendance for LCC since its creation.   


How long is the program?
The actual LCC program is no longer than an hour and a half.  We have a small reception afterwards for networking. 


How should I dress?
Dress for the graduates is business casual.  You do not need to wear a cap and gown. 


If I am not a graduate and I want to attend, do I need to RSVP?
Yes.  To help coordinate logistics for the event, it would be great if guests could RSVP.  If you are a guest, simply email with your name as well as the names for additional guests.


How do I get to Argue Plaza?
Please visit this site to get driving directions and a map of campus.


Where should I park?
You should park in Parking Structure X (PSX) located at Gate 3, the corner of Jefferson and Figueroa.  Parking is $8.


Will there be food and refreshments?
Yes, free food and refreshments are provided for all at LCC.


The USC LGBT Resource Center is one of few centers in the nation.  Recently, USC has been recognized as one of the “Top 20 Best of the Best” campuses for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students in a new guidebook, “The Advocate College Guide for LGBT Students” (Alyson Books, 2006).

The book features critical information to help LGBT students select a campus, such as information about student groups, faculty and staff, housing, LGBT studies courses, gay-friendly resources on campus and the social scene.  Lavender Commencement Celebration is one of the many resources that help to facilitate a welcoming environment for our LGBT and Ally students. 



We provide outstanding, nationally recognized services to the USC LGBT community.  With your support, we are able to continue our work and expand our Lavender Commencement Celebration. In fact, your support can help our services to grow.  I hope you will consider making a contribution to help our LGBT and Ally students to graduate and become outstanding members of our community.


If I donate funds to LCC, what would my funds support?

  • Recognition Awards for outstanding LGBT and Ally undergraduate, graduate/professional student leaders and faculty and staff
  • Speaker funds for a keynote speaker.  Previous keynote speakers include Kirk Synder, author of Lavender Road to Success, Laura Castaneda, Professor from Annenburg School of Communication and Lorri L. Jean, Executive Director for the L.A. Gay and Lesbian Center
  • Special gifts for graduates.  Previous gifts include Lavender Road to Success, rainbow tassels, and gift cards.

If you would like to donate funds, please email lavgrad@usc.edu